As part of the licensing process, you will need to pre-apply for your student’s instruction permit through the Washington State Department of Licensing.

To get started, please create a License eXpress account by visiting:
https://dol.wa.gov/pre-apply-online

When creating the account, please use an email address, username, and password that you will be able to access in the future. This account is important because it will be used to:

• Obtain your student’s instruction permit (up to 10 days before the start of class)
• Access knowledge exam services
• Manage driver licensing services and records
• Complete future transactions with the Department of Licensing

If your student already has a Washington State identification card, they already have a Washington Driver License (WDL) number. In this case, you may simply complete the above form with the WDL number shown on their identification card. However, you will still need to create a License eXpress account, as it is required to obtain the instruction permit and access Department of Licensing services. https://secure.dol.wa.gov/home/newDriver.aspx

Your student will continue to use this License eXpress account for driver licensing services throughout their time as a Washington driver, so we recommend keeping the account information in a safe place for future reference.